Austin FC received three red cards Wednesday.
And while only one of them was actually significant - Ilie Sanchez was on the bench when he received his and Guilherme Biro's came postgame - that should tell one all it needs to know about the Verde and Black's emotions during a 2-0 loss to Liga MX side Toluca FC in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
In a performance more notable than the score indicates, Austin FC was gritty and defensively solid, but a poor moment from Joseph Rosales left it in a precarious position. Rosales' hard tackle from behind on Federico Pereira in the 40th minute was upgraded from a yellow card to a red after video review, which left the Verde and Black down a man in the second half.
"I thought it was a yellow card and that the initial call on the field should have stood," Austin FC coach Davy Arnaud said. "It's a normal tackle that happens."
Helinho converted a penalty in the 53rd minute and Jorge Díaz scored on a breakaway on the game's final play for Toluca's goals.
Here are four key takeaways from the match as Austin FC returns to MLS play Saturday at Portland.
Austin FC man of the match: Brad StuverStuver made two brilliant saves that kept the Verde and Black in the match in the second half while playing with 10 men. He finished with seven saves overall, and if Oleksandr Svatok does better with Stuver's pass into the box in stoppage time, Austin FC may have tied the match.
What Austin FC did well…The Verde and Black weathered Toluca's attack in the first half, were compact defensively, then played aggressively once they fell behind.
Sure, Austin FC didn't have a shot on goal and had little possession, but one can't come away from that match thinking it was dominated. If Guilherme Biro is given a penalty in the second half after what looked like his foot being clipped on an attempted shot in Toluca's box, the Verde and Black may force extra time.
Rosales' red card "changes the game in a big way," Arnaud said. "I couldn't be more proud of how this team grinded and fought in the second half. … The way the guys responded was amazing."
What Austin FC didn't do well…Rosales' tackle was reckless and a shockingly poor decision. It made no sense considering it happened in Toluca's half of the field and left Austin FC in a poor position the rest of the match. The Verde and Black also failed to get a legitimate shot off on the few chances they had in Toluca's box in the second half.
Bottom lineArnaud and Austin FC's players were visibly fired up postgame. Biro, who wears his emotions on his sleeve, even got marginally physical with a few Toluca players for a moment, which drew his red card.
Austin FC seems to have a bit more attitude under Arnaud. Whether or not that can help get it into the MLS playoff race is debatable, but it is an interesting dynamic. And while the Verde and Black's Leagues Cup venture is over, the fact they made it to the knockout stage and then held their own down a man for 45 minutes should be considered a success.
"We talked at halftime how we were going to come out and win and shock everyone," Arnaud said. "This game isn't always fair and you don't always get what you deserve. But this is the most proud I've been of this group."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 26: Jesus Angulo #10 of Toluca takes a shot as Oleksandr Svatok #5 of the Austin FC defends during the second half between the Austin FC and Toluca during the Leagues Cup Quarter Final at Sports Illustrated on August 26, 2026 in New York City. Oleksandr Svatok #5 of the Austin FC was issued a yellow card on the play and Toluca was awarded a penalty shot. Toluca defeated Austin FC 2-0. (Photo by Elsa - Leagues Cup/MLS via Getty Images) (Elsa - Leagues Cup/MLS via Getty Images)Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.
This article originally published at 4 takeaways as Austin FC tallies 3 red cards in Leagues Cup exit with 2-0 loss to Toluca.
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